epoxy resin?

the only kind of epoxy resin i can find is the one used as a protective coating in photographs. is this the kind of resin i can use to bond fiberglass to wood?

 

Epoxy resins can be formulated in a variety of ways for different purposes. Even if the formulation was appropriate for your intended marine use, I would suspect that epoxy packaged for photographs (can't say I ever heard of that) would come in very small quantites. Small quantity packages tend to be very expensive.

I would suggest contacting any of the Marine epoxy formulatators such as those indicated in the links below to procure an appropriate epoxy in sufficient quantites for your project.

http://www.masepoxies.com
http://www.westsystem.com
http://www.systemthree.com

Please note that I have no financial interest in any of these companies, but if they wish to send me money I am not too proud not to accept it.

Cheers,

 

I also add www.fgci.com to the list

 

Fgci

I can recommend FGCI, but not for novice epoxy users, not the level of support that WEST gives (their $5 brochures are a godsend for novices - wooden boat repair, fiber-glass repairs, etc.) .

Stick with WEST if working indoors, MAS or SYSTEM 3 outdoors. I've found the latter two to be slightly better in less than optimal conditions, dampness etc.,


Success

 

Other then the pumps West has available I've found all epoxy work about equal. Each brand has slightly different personalities, in that the properties are not the same, the less refined products, though cheaper, have limited working environments, etc.

I use FGCI and am on the phone to their chemist a few times a month about a new hair balled idea that I had a dream about the night before. I like the pumps, though have grown away from West for a few reasons, cost being one.

I have little experience with MAS, but love System 3. I'm in central Florida, great boatbuilding weather year 'round, but it can screw up a goo job or varnish job pretty fast if you don't know the weather channel folks personally.

I laminated up a set of stringers and skeg for a 1965 25' Lyman hardtop today. Went off like clock work, just like I knew what I was doing.

The real trick to goo jobs is setup and dry runs. Get them down, make jigs that prevent slipping, sliding and smoked pots of polymers. DO the dry runs 'till you're comfortable with the tasks needed and it'll probably go easier then you'd thought.

 

J Stephen,
I don't know where you are in Mexico,but if you look in your yellow pages under resinas, you should find a company that can help You. If you don't find what You are looking for, contact me sgray@rainforestboats.com I will be glad to put you in contact with sources for the domestic,and imported resin we use.
Steve Gray
Rain Forest Boats